Seniors in Ontario can use government programs to help them cover some of their health expenses. There are dates that are important to know to make sure you are taking advantage of these programs.

TEETH

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

This program helps cover some or all the costs of dental care. There is an annual application process for this program. People who used this program between June 2024 and June 2025 keep getting benefits until June 30^th, 2025. If you enrolled in the program before May 1^st, 2025, you needed to renew your coverage before June 1^st, 2025, to avoid interruption in coverage. If you haven’t submitted your renewal application by June 1^st, your coverage ends June 30^th, 2025.

If you didn’t submit your renewal application before June 30^th, you can still renew your coverage if you and your spouse have filed your 2024 tax return and received your 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). There may be a gap in your coverage so check your dental appointment dates.

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/renew.html

Let others in your life know that the Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility ages are completely open now. Anyone of any age can apply for dental care coverage if they meet the other criteria:

•You don’t have access to dental insurance

•You and your spouse (if applicable) have filed your tax return for 2024

•Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000

•You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

*If you have dental coverage through government social programs, like Ontario Works (OW) Emergency Dental Coverage or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Dental Coverage, or other provincial, territorial, or federal programs, you can still qualify for the CDCP. If you qualify for the CDCP, your coverage will be coordinated between the plans to make sure there is no duplication or gaps in coverage.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Dental-Health/Senior-Dental-Program

This program is aimed at helping seniors with low incomes get dental care. The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit has dental clinics that provide dental care and don’t have their own dentist. This is the criteria:

•65 years of age and older

•Resident of Ontario

•Annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior or combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple (Line 23600 from your income taxes)

•Has no other forms of dental benefits (e.g. private insurance or other government program) *We are not sure if the Canadian Dental Care Plan is considered as having coverage. If you are thinking of applying, contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420, and press 8 for dental.

DRUGS

Seniors Co-Payment Program

https://www.ontario.ca/page/seniors-ontario-drug-benefit-deductible-and-prescription-co-payment

When you turn 65, you are enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit. This program has an annual deductible of $100 and a co-payment fee of up to $6.11 toward the dispensing fee per prescription. The Seniors Co-Payment Program waives the deductible and lowers the co-payment fee to $2 per prescription.

This program is for a single senior whose annual net income is $25,000 or less and senior couples who have a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less. Proof of income from a tax return is the best and easiest way to apply for this program. Other options for proof of income are available.

Apply through the online application at the link above or request a paper copy of the application by calling 1-888-405-0405.

TAXES

The federal and provincial governments tie many benefits and eligibility for programs, including the ones above, with income and require that you complete your income taxes. For those with low and moderate incomes, doing your taxes can provide you with a lot of benefits; Even if you think you don’t owe the government money so you shouldn’t do your taxes, reconsider as doing your taxes can benefit you.   

There are free Community Volunteer Income Tax Programs (CVITP) through Grey and Bruce Counties. Tax clinics take place in March and April each year. There are very limited free tax services outside of March and April. Visit freetaxclinics.ca or call 211 for information about free tax services.

Plan to get your income taxes done each year in March and April to avoid delays and disruptions in getting the benefits and accessing the programs you are eligible for.